Leading by example: PSI 2018 first trade show to do away with plastic cups

12 diciembre 2017

Porcelain instead of plastic: PSI 2018, acting as an ambassador for sustainability in the promotional products industry, will be the first trade show worldwide to introduce a 2Go deposit system for porcelain cups. Supported by the 2Go specialists at Mahlwerck Porcelain and Gleensheep Technologies, plastic cups for coffee and tea will be eliminated in the halls of the Exhibition Centre Düsseldorf from 9 to 11 January. In addition, the theme of sustainability will be featured on several levels at PSI.

It’s not just that coffee and tea taste better when enjoyed in a porcelain mug – using the disposable-cup alternative also lets you sleep better at night. According to Environmental Action Germany (DUH), some 320,000 takeaway coffee cups are used every hour in Germany alone. Ninety-nine per cent of them cannot be recycled and end up in the rubbish bin. PSI 2018 is putting an end to disposable cups as a waste product. Instead, reusable mugs will be distributed in the exhibition halls, which can later be returned at designated return locations. Trade show caterer SV Group is participating in the initiative, as well. “We’re the first trade show organisers worldwide to implement such a comprehensive deposit system aimed at protecting the environment”, says PSI managing director Michael Freter. “The entire project is a logistical and organisation challenge we don’t mind tackling in order to – on behalf of our industry – send a clear message and lead by example.” Coffee drinkers can ask for their deposit to be returned or donate it to UNICEF right at the special automated return machines set up by Tomra, the global leader in reverse vending. In addition to the machines accepting returns of mugs, deposit containers for water bottles will also be installed across all halls.

Sustainability promotion on several levels

The 2Go deposit system initiative represents a continuation of the PSI’s efforts to promote sustainability, which include the creation of the PSI Sustainability Awards in 2015. In 2017, the one and only sustainability awards of the promotional products industry were presented for the third time to the best environmental, economic and social initiatives, campaigns and products in the promotional products industry. Since its inception, the awards have been increasingly popular in the industry, receiving more and more support. The victorious Sustainability Awards 2017 submissions will be presented in the PSI Institute – Competence Area in Hall 9, Stand M22/40 for the duration of the show. “We’re delighted to see the area inspire others to reduce their own environmental footprint”, says PSI event director Petra Lassahn. “The awards have already prompted us to think more deeply about the issue.” Sustainability won’t just have a more prominent presence in the exhibition halls but also in the promotional products mix of the PSI Show, where it has found its spot in the form of the “Write & Glow” pencil by greensign. “Once the pencil is almost used up, you simply plant it in a pot instead of throwing it away. Just a short time after that, it grows into a basil or tomato bush.”

Sustainable programme at the PSI Best Practice Forum

Anyone interested in background knowledge, experience reports and success stories regarding sustainability in the promotional products industry is welcome to attend the free lectures at the PSI Best Practice Forum in Hall 9, Stand M28. The talk presented by Ingo Moeller, Mahlwerck Porzellan’s head of marketing, from 11:30 am on 9 January fits well with the 2Go deposit system: “Coffee to go: with taste and a good conscience” explores how the system works in detail. Michael Klöfkorn will provide information about the market potential of sustainability and the risks and opportunities of pursuing a sustainable corporate policy. Not only is he a member of the PSI Sustainability Awards 2018 jury, he also serves as the head of global impact for xpand GmbH. Titled “Saving the world with promotional products?”, his lecture will take place from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm on 10 January. PF Concept, who were recognised as the #Influencer of the Year at the PSI Sustainability Awards 2017, will present their approach to sustainability at the Best Practice Forum starting at 11:30 am on 10 January. Anne Karine Lemstra, director of category management and marketing at PF Concept, will explain how to be “Serious about sustainability”. Telling his “Story about nature and sustainability” from 1:00 pm on 11 January, Lediberg’s marketing director Achim Christa will demonstrate how to combine creativity, environmental awareness and instinct. The complete programme of the PSI Best Practice Forum including the presentation schedule is available at: https://www.psi-messe.com/de/Home/PSI-Institute-Praxis-Forum/2750/

About PSI

At PSI, the Leading European Trade Show of the Promotional Products Industry, promotional products professionals gain an overview of the trends and innovations of the industry. In addition, special exhibits and show areas are dedicated to an in-depth look at promotional labelling, printing and finishing technologies, inventions and innovations, and much more. At PSI 2017, 988 exhibitors from 37 countries presented their companies to 18,094 visitors. PSI 2018 will take place in Düsseldorf from Tuesday, 9 January, to Thursday, 11 January.